Global superstar Ed Sheeran surprised the England football squad ahead of their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway, but the moment has been widely described as cringeworthy. The singer performed an acoustic version of his 2017 hit Castle on the Hill to the team, who appeared largely unenthusiastic in a video that has since gone viral.
Sheeran's regular visits to England camp
In the video, Sheeran explained that England captain Harry Kane first invited him to the camp in 2021. He said he has been a regular visitor since then, describing it as a 'nice little tradition.' The singer added that he bonded with the players during his first visit and that they are 'never a tough crowd.'
According to Sheeran, the tradition began when Kane got him down to the camp, and he has attended every subsequent gathering. He noted that the team's reception has always been warm.
Fan reactions to the serenade
The video, which appears to have been edited to focus solely on Sheeran's performance, shows the footballers watching silently with little visible enthusiasm. Fans on social media quickly compared the scene to an awkward British sitcom, particularly The Office.
One user, fawziyaaa, wrote: 'Why do they look so uninterested?' Another, exilewillows, asked: 'Why is this the funniest thing.' Conor McKechnie commented: 'It's so funny how unbothered they are about him being there, looks like a scene from The Office.' Nayfchels added: 'The camera cuts like the office has finished me off.'
Some fans were less amused. Andy Ford noted: 'They should get a treat, not a punishment,' while Mark asked: 'What have they done to deserve this.'
England's World Cup journey
The England team is preparing for a crucial quarter-final against Norway, which will see Jude Bellingham face his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland. The tournament has already seen its share of drama, including Jordan Henderson's freak arm injury during victory celebrations and Team USA's elimination despite political intervention from Donald Trump.
Earlier, Harry Kane's post-match interview after England's win over Mexico went viral after he lost his voice and sounded like Mickey Mouse. However, Sheeran's serenade has been called the cringiest moment so far.
England also faces a setback with defender Jarrell Quansa receiving a two-game ban from FIFA, meaning he will miss the quarter-final. If England wins, the team will have an emotional sing-along to Oasis's Wonderwall, which remains the team's anthem.
Sheeran predicted an England vs France final, with England taking the trophy. The video has left fans both baffled and amused, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 World Cup.
